A SMOKE CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15155, 20 November 1912, Page 12

A SMOKE CONCERT.

To commemorate the opening of the new huiloMng, the employees of Messrs. A. and T. Burt. Ltd.. tendered to the firm on Friday last a smoke concert and social evening. The function was held in the new premises, and was attended by 120 employees, the guests of the evening being Messrs. W. C. Burt. A. Burt, junr., H. G. Johnstone (chief engineer of the steamer Karere). and H. Taylor (England). The proceedings opened with the loyal toast of "The King.' Messrs. J. Black (accountant) and J. H. Buckiand (warehouse manager) spoke to the .toast " The I'irm." each Weaker referring in laudatory terms to the progress madeV the firm since the establishment of the Auckland branch in December, 1903, also to the cordial relaSons existing between the firm and eraployees. The toast was enthusiastically honoured, and was replied to by Mr. W. C. Burt (general manager) and Mr. Alec Burt, junr. (local manager). Mr. Alec Bart, junr.. "met with a hearty reception on rising, Ilehpondiri? to th« toast, he said it gave him great pleasure to meet in a social manner buch a large gathering of employees, which, in itself testiiied to tho cordiality existing. The interest taken in the firm's business by the employees was always a source of pleasure to him, and he hoped further social gatherings would be held, thus creatine a friendly feeling which went a long way to smoothing over difficulties that may arise during business. The toast of " The Ex-Employees" was in the hands of Mr. C. A. Jackson, being responded to by Messrs. W. Smith, junr.. W. Uutlor, and V. Owen Mr. W. Smith was entrusted with the toast of " Our Visitors," replies being made by Messrs. H. G. Johnstone, W. C. Burt, and H. Taylor. Mr. J. F. Welch proposed the toast of ' The Committee," response Being made by Messrs. A. D. Wells (hon. secretary). F. C. Winzenberg-, and W. . MillsAdvantage was also taken to make predentations to Messrs. J. B. Clark and B. Oliver, that to the former being: on the occasion of his approaching marriage, the wosentation taking the form o:t an easy «hai"r and card-table. A watch was presented to Mr.. Oliver on his severing his ctnnVotion with the firm after 22 years' service to the one shop. Mr. A. Burt, junr.. Sade'the presentations in each instance, SiloKising the many ■ Stood qualities of the ?eclpilnts, which met with a suitable reS from the parties concerned.. A long Sarame was carried out. those conPeres, , v.-.**"-' 1 * A „■ ""•",